Putin to meet with Xi, Ramaphosa and other world leaders on sidelines of BRICS Summit

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Brazil's President Michel Temer and Russia's President Vladimir Putin share a laugh prior to posing for a group picture at the BRICS summit in Johannesburg. Picture: Gianluigi Guercia/Pool via Reuters

Moscow – Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold meetings with a number of international leaders, including his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as well as the leaders of Angola, Argentina, South Africa and Zambia, on the sidelines of the BRICS summit on Thursday.

According to Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov, Putin and Xi are expected to discuss bilateral cooperation in all areas, as well as preparations for Xi’s participation in the Eastern Economic Forum, due to take place in Russia in September.

During the meeting with Erdogan, the two leaders will discuss bilateral issues, energy projects as well as cooperation on the Syrian peace process.

Putin’s meeting with President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa will be his first with the African official since the latter was elected. Two officials are expected to discuss the current state and future of bilateral relations.

The Russian president and his Argentinian counterpart Mauricio Macri will discuss preparations for the G20 summit, scheduled for November 29-December 1 in Buenos Aires. Putin’s meeting with Zambian President Edgar Lungu will focus on trade cooperation, the joint centre of nuclear technologies and humanitarian issues. During the meeting with Angolan President Joao Lourenco, such issues as BRICS’ cooperation with African countries, including Angola, the situation in Africa and the Russian-Angolan partnership in a number of areas will be raised.

Putin will conclude his bilateral meeting agenda at BRICS by holding talks with the Indian prime minister.